5 Reasons to Rekindle Your Network Now (Especially If You’re an Aspiring Fractional Finance Director)

When starting out as a fractional FD, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of building your offering, setting up your business, and deciding on your branding and logo(!) but let’s face it, priority one has to be getting that first client over the line. Not only will you be up and running (with some income coming in!), but you’ll be surprised just how much of a mindset difference being able to say “ I AM a Fractional FD” versus “I want to be a Fractional FD” can make.

There’s a resource sitting right under your nose that can make all the difference—your network. Whether you’ve been head-down in the corporate world or you’re already a seasoned pro at nurturing connections, now is the time to rekindle those relationships. Here’s why:

1. Your Network Already Knows Your Value

One of the most challenging parts of starting out as a fractional FD is proving your worth in a competitive market. But your former colleagues, clients, and peers? They already know what you’re capable of. Reconnecting with them means you can skip the introductions and get straight to showing how you can help. Often, they’re more than happy to recommend someone they trust to their own contacts—especially if you’ve left a good impression.

2. It’s a Source of Warm Leads

Cold outreach can feel like shouting into the void, but your network is filled with warm leads—people who know you (and hopefully like you) and are far more likely to hear you out. Even if they don’t need a fractional FD themselves, they might know someone who does. A quick coffee or even a LinkedIn message could result in an introduction that changes the game for your business.

3. You’ll Stay Top of Mind

As they say, out of sight, out of mind. People in your network are busy—just like you—and it’s easy to fade into the background. By reaching out and staying visible, you remind them of your skills and expertise, keeping you top of mind when opportunities arise. That way, when someone mentions they’re looking for a finance whizz, your name will be the first on their lips.

4. Opportunities Come From Unexpected Places

It’s not always the people you think of straight away who end up being the most helpful. A former client might connect you to their old university friend who runs a scaling tech start-up. Or a past colleague might suddenly be sitting on the board of an SME that needs exactly what you offer. The key is to cast the net wide and be open to where those conversations might lead. My very first client came from excitedly explaining what I was planning to offer to a school mum at a summer BBQ – who then promptly ran off and dragged her husband over who was looking for exactly that for his EdTech business. Woo-hoo!

5. Support, Advice, and Collaboration

Networking isn’t just about landing clients. As an aspiring fractional FD, you’re navigating a new world, and it can be invaluable to reconnect with others who’ve been on similar journeys. Reach out to fellow finance professionals, mentors, or even other business owners who can share their experiences and offer advice. These relationships can be a source of ongoing collaboration, not just one-off opportunities. We created our Fractional Finance Family community for that very reason, after taking our PowerUP! Programme taking those first few steps into your fractional career is a whole lot less daunting with a supportive community by your side.

How to Rekindle Your Network

It doesn’t have to be complicated or awkward. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Update your LinkedIn and share what you’re up to now (follow me and I’ll show you some support!)
• Drop a quick email or message to former colleagues or contacts.
• Book a coffee or lunch with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
• Join professional groups or communities, like those specifically for fractional FDs, to connect with like-minded people.

The Bottom Line

Your network is one of your most powerful assets when starting out as a fractional FD. Whether you’re looking for clients, advice, or collaboration, reconnecting with your existing contacts can help you hit the ground running. So, dust off that LinkedIn profile, send those messages, and get back out there—you’ll be amazed at what it might lead to.